Hanging By a Thread

5 Things {To Save World}

OK….So, maybe I'm exaggerating a bit when it comes to saving the world, but still, hear me out.

Plastic is a big problem for our Earth. As in, it takes years and years and years and years to break down. Some sources say it may takes plastic containers, bottles and bags 100s or even 1000s of years to break down. The truth is, we don't actually know how long it will take. Plastic bags have been around only 50 years….and they're all still piling up in landfills, etc.

So, our family has been trying our darndest to greatly reduce the amount of plastic we use. I know what you're thinking, "Your one little family not using so much plastic isn't going to save the world or make any great impact." And you're right. That's why each of us should be doing our part in "saving the world" whether it's reducing plastic usage, using fewer or no harmful chemicals in our homes, reducing our overall all carbon footprints, etc.

And did you know if you used just 3 reusable produce bags a week, you'd reduce your plastic bag usage by 150 in just one year? And did you further know that the average family goes through about 500 plastic baggies a year just for school and work lunches?

The way I see it is that if we choose to do things that reduce the waste and the harmful chemicals released into our air and leave our world a purer place for our kids and their kids or at the very least slow the damage to our planet and our people, then it's worth it.

And really these 5 things are EASY…there's just one I have trouble with….

1. Norwex Snack Bags/Sandwich Wraps. We NEVER send plastic baggies in school lunches. We also opt for reusable spoons and forks and travel sized enviro cloths for lunch napkins for waste free lunches. These bags are also great for small toys, crayons, pacifiers, etc. even makeup or nail files and polishes, etc., etc.
2. Reusable Bags for Shopping. Here's the one I have trouble with. I have them in my car, and I usually remember to take them in at Trader Joe's and my co-op, but often forget them when running into Target or a clothing store or shoe store, etc. I'm working on this one. And when I forget I do take my plastic bags to Target to recycle….I hope they actually recycle them!
3. Norwex Mesh Produce Bags. I use these at the grocery stores for fruits and veggies and for picking tomatoes and peppers in our garden – we have had a huge tomato crop and these bags are great for this job. My son even took one to school to store his headphones in. I use one in the freezer for the bananas that go mushy before they are eaten and get used in muffins, breads and pancakes. They are also great for washing grapes so that you don't lose them down the drain or for washing and/or storing Legos bath toys or Barbies and so many other things!
4. Compostable Trash Bags. I feel good about using these. I found 2 different brands at Lakewinds Co-op. They aren't too pricey and there are several sizes, depending on your needs. We have found them to be pretty strong and to work well.
5. Norwex Stainless Steel Straws. Think about how many millions of straws are tossed out each day….staggering isn't it? Well, if you use them in your own home or often stop for a carbonated beverage or shake or smoothie, then these stainless steel straws will serve you well. There's even a handy brush to clean them well! Again, I am working out a system to keep them in my car and remember to grab these and not the plastic version when we stop for a refreshing drink. My boys love to use them with milk.

OK, OK….I actually have 7 points for you, not 5….

1. Silicone Lids. I have been using these for about a year or so now. Norwex just launched a version too – work just the same and they are fantastic! The lids are safe for stovetops, ovens, microwaves and the fridge. There are so many reasons to love them. I don't even use metal lids for my pots now. The silicone lids make perfect rice, make the pasta water boil faster, keep food warm and still good for hours, steams veggies to perfection, keep baked good fresh and moist AND no more plastic wrap! Plus fewer dishes to wash since you can go from stove to fridge in the same container. Oh, and they don't stain or retain odor.
2. Beeswax & Cloth Wrap. I found this at my Lakewinds Co-op too, and they are great! They come in several sizes and even a variety pack. I use them to wrap cheese, bread, fruits, veggies, whatever and, again, NO PLASTIC WRAP or BAGGIES! You simply rinse it with cool water and dry it off and then wrap up the food. The warmth of your hand will mold and seal the beeswax and cloth wrap.

And this is what we're doing, along with removing all harmful chemicals from our home and recycling tons of plastic, paper and glass. Of course, there are always more things we can do…and we will. What are you focusing on changing in your home? Over and out….

Anna

**Full Disclosure: one of the many hats I wear is that of Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. However, none of these products were given to me and no company sponsored this post. This is simply my opinion based on experience using these products in my home.

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Sleeping with the Enemy {Kids and PJs}

Empting out the Drawers

I just threw out all my kids' pajamas; all the fleecy, fuzzy Mario Bros, Angry Birds, Avengers, Ninja Turtles and snowmen playing football. No, I wasn't having a mommy tantrum. It wasn't a brain dead mommy moment either. Nope, I was lucid and calm, but not happy about it.

The reason I tossed my kids PJs is because they were flame resistant; said so right on the tags. Sounds like a good thing, right? Well, it's not.

No, I certainly don't want my kids to catch on fire while wearing their jammies. But you know what concerns me more? Toxic chemicals.

Missing the Forest for the Trees

Here's what the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission says about kids pajamas,

To protect children from burns, these rules require that children's sleepwear must be flame resistant and self- extinguish if a flame from a candle, match, lighter or a similar item causes it to catch fire. The rules cover all children's sleepwear above size 9 months and up to size 14 and require that

(1) the fabric and garments must pass certain flammability tests; or

(2) be "tight fitting" as defined by specified dimensions.

What this means is that the majority of kids' pajamas are treated to be made flame resistant, especially synthetic or fleece materials.

The Danger of Flame Retardants

Mothering Magazine reports, "the most common chemicals used on pajamas are halogenated hydrocarbons (chlorine and bromine), antimony oxides, and phosphate based compounds. These offgas into the air kids breathe and are skin irritants."

HealthyChild.org found that "While flame retardant chemicals like chlorinated TRIS and PBDE have been phased out due to toxicity concerns, others remain, like tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium chloride, a.k.a. "Proban" or "Securest." This popular treatment has been linked to a variety of health effects including genetic changes, cancer promotion, and liver and nervous system damage."

And yet, PracticallyGreen.com says that "One carcinogenic chemical, chlorinated Tris (TDCPP), which was removed from children's pajamas back in the 1970s was recently found by The Washington Toxics Coalition and Safer States in 80 percent of new baby and children's products!"

Why This Bothers Me

I watch what we put in our bodies, avoiding processed foods, high fructose corn syrup, hydrogenated fat, artificial colors and flavors, preservatives, etc. I am careful about what we put on our skin; lotions, shampoo, sunscreen, makeup, skin creams, etc. I don't buy harmful chemical cleaners; we use Norwex, of course, cleaning mostly with microfiber and water (ask me how). We don't use products with harmful chemicals in our laundry room; we use Norwex there too.

I am careful to watch for other areas that chemicals could make their way into our home, but chemicals in the kids' pajamas, leaching out into the air, being inhaled, as my darlings sleep; that makes me mad!

Check the Labels

There's a remedy. Not all kids' pajamas are flame resistant. It's not necessarily easy to find them and they probably aren't covered in your kids' favorite characters and they aren't necessarily cheap, but you can find them. Look for snug-fitting, long-underwear style jammies. You can always get them at Hanna Andersson and Gap Kids has some styles that are not flame resistant online. The tags must say whether they are flame resistant or not; so always check there to be sure.

The CPSC requires all sleepwear that is not flame-resistant to bear a label saying, "For child's safety, garment should fit snugly. This garment is not flame resistant. Loose-fitting garments are more likely to catch fire." Look for this bright yellow tag attached to the jammies; this is what you want to see. This means it is free of toxic flame retardant treatments.

The Scoop

This is important to me. I care what goes into my kids bodies. Kids are effected much more than we, as adults, are when it comes to chemical levels in our bodies. The rate of cancer and other conditions related to toxic chemicals is astounding and on the rise. The question I have begun to ask is not why did so-and-so get cancer, but why do we all not have cancer.

This post is not meant to frighten you, but to arm you with information. If you have information, you can make informed choices and make a difference for your family. And if we all make informed choices, we could change our communities, our country, our world.

Now is the time to start taking a stand against harmful chemicals; it's not too late, but we must stand up and DO something.

And please note that the federal regulations require kids' sleepwear to be flame-resistant because of external heat sources that a child might come in contact with, such as a fire in a fireplace, a candle, an electric heater, a lighter, etc. This requirement is not in place in order to protect a child from a house fire.

Therefore, if you choose to clothe your children in pajamas that are not flame resistant, do exercise extra caution around any open flames/heat sources, as I would hope you would do regardless of whether their pajamas are treated with toxic chemicals.

And I have more to say on several related topics too….coming soon.

So, are you tossing out your kids' pajamas? Over and out…

Anna

Conclusion: The Trouble with the World is Complacency

The difference between complacency and living on purpose is a matter of ignorance.

If you don't know (or care about) the dangers or the concerns or the repercussions of what you are eating, where you are living, activities you are engaged in, people you are hanging out with, habits you are forming, products you are buying or using or leaders and causes you are supporting, then you're complacent; satisfied with the ways things are regardless of whether it's a positive or negative effect.

Not so bad, you say? Well, that all depends. Do you want to live in the shadows or do you want to be out in the light? Do you want to be fully informed or just another drone going through the motions? Do you want to be living life to the fullest and teaching your kids to do this as well or do you shrug your shoulders and think, whatever happens, happens; I have no control over things.

Complacency: the reluctance to take charge of your life and the outcome of situations concerning you and your family.

Have you ever noticed that some people are continually surrounded and caught up in the swirling vortex of drama; things just happen to them and the people around them....constantly. And yet, I have noticed that generally these people never formulate a plan or stand up to the architect of the drama or announce a call to action. No, instead they merely shrug and say, "Why do these things keep happening to me/my family/my friends?" But instead of a stand down or a decision or a plan, they simply say, "Oh well."

I say take the bull by the horns. Do not live with complacency. Live with purpose.

Educate yourself; stay informed; surround yourself with positive, supportive, well-informed people.

Do not simply accept that something must be your fate...do something.

Life is an action word. Life is about using our senses (including common sense) and putting our little gray cells in our heads to work and standing upright and going headfirst. Life is about purposely doing and not doing.

So, are you complacent? Are you just going to sit there and take it? Are you watching from the sidelines and taking the knocks that come your way? Or are you actively participating in this thing we call Life...leaving a positive legacy, doing your part, taking part and stepping up? It's your choice....really. Over and out...

Anna

The Killing Fields {Out of the Mouths of Babes}

Why are We so Stupid?

My six year-old loves honeybees and everything to do with them. When I mentioned to him that many were dying or getting sick and weak and explained why this was happening this was his response.

"Don't people know that we need the earth to survive? I mean, it's the only planet we have to live on. So, if we are doing things to destroy our earth, we are basically destroying ourselves. Why do people do things like that?"

Man, I love this kid. He is so witty, so smart and so perceptive on issues so far beyond his 6 years on this earth! And he's right; it's that simple....if we are doing things that destroy our earth and the living, growing, working organisms on our earth, we are destroying ourselves.

The Need for Bees

In the last few years, I have read several articles on our dwindling population of honeybees and the concern over this issue. In the last few months, I have read and seen a continual flow of articles on this topic.

The concern is growing. Some say this may be the worst year on record for honey production, but honey is not the only issue. Honeybees are needed to pollinate over 95 different fruits and vegetables crops, including almonds, berries, avocados, apples, pumpkins and pears, to name just a few.

Since 2006, honeybee numbers have been closely watched, with beekeepers losing approximately 30 % of their bees a year; however, this winter keepers are reporting a 70 to 90 percent loss. This spells trouble for all of us who eat food.

The Killing Fields

So, what is sickening our honeybees? Well, the buzz word, if you'll pardon the pun, is pesticide, and not just any pesticides, but a certain class.

Scientists have linked this Colony Collapse Disorder to neonicotinoids. Included in this class are clothiandin, thiamethoxam, imidicloprid and sulfoxaflor, which are currently under consideration by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

"Neonicotinoids are applied before planting to coat seeds. The pesticide is then taken up through the vascular system of the plant and expressed through the pollen and nectar, which bees rely on for food," according to Paul Towers of the Pesticide Action Network (PAN). Apparently, these pesticides linger in the soil affecting the next crop, as well.

Consider this, "In the United States, such neonicotinoids are routinely used on more than 100 million acres of corn, wheat, soy and cotton and are in some home gardening products." Thomson Reuters

It's not just bee populations being destroyed; it's also bats, birds, butterflies, beetles and other small mammals. They too, play a large role in pollinating our plants. According, to North American Pollinator Protection Campaign, some species have seen a 90 percent decline in their numbers just in the past decade.

Taking Action

A couple of weeks ago, four professional beekeepers and five environmental and consumer groups filed a lawsuit in federal court against the EPA. In the lawsuit, the groups claim , "the U.S. environmental regulators are failing to protect honeybees and their role in pollinating important food crops, and should immediately suspend use of some toxic insecticides tied to the widespread deaths of the bees." science.ncbnews.com

"Despite our best efforts to warn the agency about the problems posed by neonicotinoids, the EPA continued to ignore the clear warning signs of an ag system in trouble," says Paul Tower of PAN. It's also worth noting that in Europe, the European Commission has proposed a ban on neonicotinoids because the European Food Safety Authority found that there is a high risk to the health of the honeybees when this class of pesticide is used.

The Scoop

We all eat food. If our crops fail here and/or abroad because there are no honeybees to pollinate them, then prices go up, food is scarce and we are all adversely affected.

There is an ever mounting pile of crap that leads to companies like Monsanto, Syngenta and Bayer and other companies manufacturing pesticides and manipulating seeds and plants. Believe it or not, it was just a few years ago that such pesticides from the neonicotinoids class began being used widespread to grow stronger, disease/pest resistant crops. Unfortunately, this was done at the expense of health of humans and animals. I believe we are only starting to see the repercussions of the use of such strong and harmful chemicals.

So, why should we care about this issue? Because it matters to all of us; that is, all of us who eat food. More to come on this and other food issues. Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits {Food; What’s Fit to Eat?}

I love to eat. I love to eat really good food. I love to cook food in. I love to get food out. I read labels. I read articles. And lately, everywhere I look I see issues with food; food full chemicals; food genetically modified; dirty food; mislabeled food; food with hidden additives, preservatives and ingredients; food that could make you sick.

Is it that hard to nourish a body without ingesting something harmful? The simple answer appears to be yes.

It's almost enough to make one move to the wilderness, live off the grid and produce all of one's own food. Almost.

It just shouldn't be this difficult to eat healthy, fresh, clean, nutritious food.

In the last few weeks, I have been collecting articles involving food issues. Here are a few of them:

1. Your Reusable Grocery Bags Could be Harboring Bacteria! A number of cities are going "green" by banning all plastic and paper bags at stores via city ordinances. The consumers are to supply their own reusable bags instead. An admirable move it would seem, but a recent study by the American Chemistry Council shows that the reusable bags often left in hot cars and rarely washed are harboring a multitude of bacteria, including E. coli. Fortunately, more than likely this won't make you sick according to at least one report. Washing them isn't a bad idea though.
2. Shrimp Fed on Pig Poop! Now that's appetizing. About a third of our seafood is coming from China and the surrounding areas. Pig, human and goose feces is often used to feed the shrimp and tilapia, etc., the tap water used to make ice to put on the seafood is contaminated and the conditions of the farms producing the fish and shellfish are downright disgusting and dangerous to our health. Only a small percentage is inspected, and much of what is inspected is rejected.
3. Looks Like Tuna, Sold as Tuna, Often Not Tuna. The Los Angeles Times reports Oceana found in its study that nearly 60% of tuna sold to consumers, at both restaurants and grocery stores, is not tuna. In fact, most of the mislabeled tuna was the extremely oily fish escolar, which can cause explosive diarrhea. Of course, this issue is not exclusive to tuna, mislabeling is quite common with many fish.
4. Aspartame a Part of Milk? The National Milk Producers Federation has asked FDA to change the definition of milk. They wish to have artificial sweeteners, such as aspartame and sucralose included in the definition of milk. This way they can sneak these ingredients in without having to list them.

Many of these issues involve the food industry powers that be trying to pull the wool over the eyes of the consumers so they can sell more and make more money. I like to think that we, as consumers, are savvier than ever and are more conscious of what we are putting into our mouths, but then again, I'm not so sure that enough of the consumers are paying attention to these issues to force the hand of those producers and brokers and growers and marketers to make a difference...yet. Over and out...

Anna

Random Tidbits: Completely Unrelated, Useful/Interesting/Semi-Important/You Fill-in-the-Blank Information

You know when you're driving along and your kid pipes up and says something like, "Mom, whatever happened to that stick that I picked up last summer when we were walking around that lake?" and then a few minutes later says, "For my next birthday {which is something like 8 months away, generally}, can I have a birthday cake that has Transformers, Mickey Mouse and Word Girl on it?" And the whole time you're thinking I have no idea and where are these random thoughts coming from.

Well, that's what this post is like.

I've had very few minutes to write lately, but I have a number of random tidbits knocking around in my head. It happens frequently that I have a random thought, save a clipping or jot down an idea that doesn't warrant an entire post, but is still worth mentioning. Sometimes I let them linger until I might have enough to weave the tidbits into something more, but often they simply unravel and these loose ends rot away tucked in a file or pasted on a "sticky note" on my computer desktop or randomly written in a notebook.

So, I decided I'd piece together a quick, unconnected run-down of these various bits of information; some tips, some interesting points, some important notes, some simple observations.

1. Tightening the Belt. For a while I had an internal struggle with trying to figure out whether the strap should be locked or left loose or did it even matter. Booster seats. There's just not the plethora of information about these "tween" seats; that is, "in between" 5 point harnesses and a seat belt without a special seat. I know some parents just leave it loose. I always tighten the seat belt strap.
   1. For one thing, Darling 2 is apt to fall asleep in a moving vehicle and slump forward or sideways. If the belt is loose, he could slip right out of the seat or be injured if the belt snapped tight in an accident or sudden stop.
   2. I dug around online and surprisingly didn't find any definitive answers. So, I asked a resident expert; whom I happened to run into at my Caribou Coffee. She said either way is fine. If you have a sleeper or wiggler then it's best to lock the belt. But if your child is older and is not prone to moving around and getting out of the belt, then loose is fine.
   3. So, there you have it. I still tighten out of habit and because Darling 2 still likes to fall asleep in the car, but Darling 1 likes to remind me that he doesn't have to be locked in now that we know the answer to this question.
2. Mythbusters – Distracted Driving. Do you know about Mythbusters? It's a fun program that we found on Netflix over Winter Break. They take various statements or "facts" and put them to the test. On one program they ran their own test to see whether talking on the phone while driving is as dangerous as driving drunk, as some studies have reported.
   1. Now they weren't legally drunk, but they were as close to it as possible; with police officers overseeing the experiment.
   2. And they weren't recklessly driving around on the roads with other drivers. They were on a driving course with an instructor.
   3. But the tests and testers were serious and the drivers were blown away by how difficult it was to stay on task and not break laws by missing signs, weaving, etc. while talking on the phone and after a few drinks.
   4. Their conclusion was that it is not a myth. Texting/talking on the phone is just as dangerous as driving drunk (or almost drunk), and they did indeed feel out of control {and it's rare that they don't bust the myth}. There you have it. So, Phone Down; Eyes Up! {TAKE MY CHALLENGE!}
3. Teachers Packing Heat. Some teachers may have decided to take matters into their own hands when it comes to "securing" their classrooms.
   1. In the weeks following the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting, according to MotherJones.com, about 600 teachers in some 15 states have signed up for a free firearms training program offered by Buckeye Firearms Association.
   2. MotherJones.com noted that there are only three states in the U.S. that allow concealed weapons in schools: Utah, Kansas and Mississippi.
   3. Now, 600 is a very tiny percentage of the number of teachers in our country, but it's an interesting note.
   4. I'd be curious to know which 15 states those teachers come from; and how many of those 600 are male and how many are female.
   5. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't want my kids' teachers packing heat in class.
   6. And on a lighter note, I just pictured Darling 1's amazingly patient, kind and loving kindergarten teacher from last year, with a gun strapped to her hip; now that puts class rules in a very different light.
4. Boo Indeed! Sometimes you miss the ugly, prickly weed when looking for the "Green."
   1. I found a write up for a product called, Bambooee, in MN Parent under Hot Stuff/Go Green. It says this about the products on this page, "Ta-ta, toxins! These products eschew chemicals and/or promote reuse!"
   2. So, the Bambooee is apparently an earth-friendly, sustainable, reusable paper towel. The packaging in the photo says, "Reusable Washable Bleachable." BLEACHABLE? Earth-friendly? No Chemicals? Hmmmm.
   3. Sorry, but why would someone who is choosing to use this product; to be earth friendly, with sustainable, organic products want to or choose to use bleach on this natural, organic, sustainable product?
   4. Bleach is a toxic, harmful chemical, and if you introduce it to your natural, organic, sustainable, bamboo towel, then you're missing the point. I have a better product for you anyway...talk to me {cough, Norwex, cough}
5. Check Your Sources. OK, I am going to expand on this one in another post, but this issue warrants a quick mention here too.
   1. Please check the accuracy and the source of the information you post, Like and share on social media sites. I have noticed an increase in false information and misattributed, made up quotes zipping around on Facebook lately. It's a good rule of thumb to do a quick search to ensure that you are passing good and true information, before you click it out to your hundreds of friends and/or fans.
6. Loose Lips Sink Ships. And along those same lines, not every conversation or thought or situation should be retold or discussed or mentioned on social media sites.
   1. Some things should be left to the imagination; some things should remain confidential; and sometimes "it just wouldn't be prudent" to post every last detail.
   2. So, let your gut instinct be your gauge, but if your gut tells you everything is fair game; then, let's say,
      1. if it's about someone else, especially if you are in any way related or work together;
      2. if it's not nice or puts that person in a bad light;
      3. if there is a contract of any kind involved;
      4. if it sounds like it could be from a red neck reality show
   3. don't post it at all. Instead, call your mom, your spouse, your sibling or best friend and get it off your chest by sharing it with one person rather the 348 of your closest FB friends.

Over and out....

Anna

 

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5 Things You Should Know {Disposing of Hazardous Household Materials}

It's true. I have a special affinity for chemical-free cleaning now that I've found Norwex. And it's also true that I think that everyone would be better off switching to Norwex for a cleaner, safer household.

But all that aside, here's what you need to know about disposing of traditional household cleaners containing harmful chemicals whether you're done with them for good {because you're using Norwex} or simply need to dispose of some cleansers.

1. Never pour cleaners with harmful chemicals down your drains, in the yard, in the street or in the trash;
2. Always read the warning labels and instructions for use and disposal on all your household cleaners; you'll probably be surprised by how many containers you shouldn't be throwing in your garbage that you probably have been tossing in the trash bin for years;
3. Never store hazardous products in food containers. Instead keep them in their original containers and never remove labels
4. Find the nearest hazardous waste disposal location in your area. My county, Hennepin County in MN, has 2 facilities available for getting rid of household chemicals, appliances, electronics and other hazardous materials. However, I was sorry, but not surprised, to find that a number of locations I searched in Texas did not have any such facility available. In this case, I suggest calling City Hall to inquire about how you should dispose of hazardous household materials in your area.
5. EPA suggests {and I agree} that you should reduce the use of cleaners containing harmful chemicals.

Note: Many household cleaners have been linked to causes of migraines, asthma, allergies, depression, cancer, central nervous system disorders and more. Remember the real clean is the absence of all odor; not the smell of bleach or pine sol or lemon or fresh scent.

Need more tips on how to reduce and/or eliminate hazardous chemicals? Check the EPA site. Over and out...

Anna

The List: 5 Steps to a More Earth Friendly Household

Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day on Sunday, I thought I'd make a list of simple, yet effective ways for families to be good to our Earth. Change begins with just 1 person {or 1 family}. People follow good examples; especially when the good deeds are simply done, not forced down one's throat.

Be a leader in your family; in your community; in your world. Do it for yourself; your kids; their kids; and all inhabitants everywhere. It may sound corny, but it's true; plus you'll feel better knowing you did your part to be a good resident of our magnificent planet.

The List    

1. Plant a garden and Eat what you grow;
   1. Kids love to get out in the dirt; give them a reason to; and
   2. Kids will love to try the veggies/berries/herbs they grow in their yard; mine do;
   3. Here are some good tips for making your very own backyard garden plot from eartheasy.
2. Create a compost pile for organic waste, recycle what you can and try to create less trash;
   1. Composting is easy to do, but just takes some forethought and preparation; this is something we need to start doing;
   2. Check out these tips at Composting 101;
   3. We have been creating less waste since we started using Norwex cleaning and personal care products in January; I've got lots of tips for how to reduce your waste in this way, including the next 2 points.
3. Start using cloth napkins and stop using paper napkins and/or paper towels;
   1. We use Norwex microfiber kitchen cloths for our napkins; each family member has one; we wash it out after each meal and let it dry for the next;
   2. We send a travel size Enviro Cloth in Darling 1's lunch box;
   3. Norwex cloths don't have to be washed often due to the self-purification qualities of the cloths.
4. Stop using harmful chemicals to clean your home and start using Norwex*;
   1. It is possible to REALLY clean your house with just water and a Norwex microfiber cloth...REALLY.
   2. Your house will be cleaner and you will feel better about it, plus it will take you {or whoever cleans your home} less time to clean, leaving more time for what you'd rather be doing.
5. Pick up trash and place in trash/recycling bin wherever you and your family happen to see it; litter is everyone's problem;
   1. Again, you'll feel good about doing this too;
   2. Wherever you go, look for litter {in parking lots, at the park, in your yard, in your neighbor's yard, etc} and place it in an appropriate receptacle.

The Scoop

I told you these were simple. Use this list or come up with your own list of easy changes to make on this 42^nd Earth Day. Or perhaps you already do these things and more; in that case, give yourself a pat on the back!

*Yes, it's true. I am also a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant, but I fully believe these products will make our family live better lives by helping us to clean better, smarter, safer and faster. And I think once you give it try, you'll love it too! For more information, go to my site annaberend.norwex.biz or contact me with questions.

For more information and history on Earth Day, see my post from April 2010. Have a lovely weekend! Over and out...

Anna

Change Your Whole Lifestyle: The Missing Piece {On a Soapbox}

A Full Picture of Health

How often we talk about changing our eating patterns, buying more locally produced and/or organic groceries, exercising more and having a healthier lifestyle overall. While I think these things are important pieces to the puzzle, I also think that many are missing a large chunk of the picture of health. Until recently I was included in this group.

I'm talking about radically reducing the number of chemicals in your home. Yes, I realize I'm biased now because I am a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. But, honestly, the reason I'm buying, selling and telling everyone I know about these products is because I have been doing researching, reading and becoming more educated about the number of chemicals we are bringing into our homes under the premise of cleaning our homes and clothes and the harmful effects of these chemicals.

Linking Household Chemicals and Cancer

PreventCancer.org reports, "Approximately 70,000 chemicals are now in commercial production, many of which are used in household products. Many of these chemicals accumulate in the human body and cause cancer and other diseases, yet they have been inadequately tested or remain completely untested for their safety."

When I searched, "connections between cancer and chemicals in household cleaners" I was shocked at the alarming number of articles in the query results on links between chemicals in household cleaners and breast cancer.

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer in women. It was expected that in 2011, almost 300,000 new cases of breast cancer would be diagnosed in women. Breast cancer and lung cancer kill more women each year than any other cancer.

The Studies

Interestingly, there was a study done a few years ago by Silent Spring Institute in MA that found a significant link between household cleaners and breast cancer. This study was made up of 1508 women; 787 of the women had been diagnosed with breast cancer; 721 of the women had not been. The women who reported the highest use of cleaning products had a doubled risk of breast cancer; the use of air fresheners and products for cleaning mold and mildew was associated with the highest increased risk for cancer.

The Silent Spring researchers are the first to admit that the results are imperfect though, considering the data came from surveys. So, that means that women who had been diagnosed with cancer may have been influenced by the belief that the cause of their cancer was something other than a genetic link; or it could mean that women diagnosed with cancer more accurately recall their past product use. Either way, the results of this study show that further research is warranted in this area.

In another study conducted by Silent Spring Institute researchers took air and dust samples from 120 homes on Cape Cod and measured the concentrations of 89 chemicals identified as endocrine disrupting compounds. They identified 67 of these chemicals in these samples, but the most interesting finding of this study was that they identified a number of chemicals that had been banned for years. One such chemical found in dust collected from the homes sampled was DDT. This banned chemical was found in 65% of the homes, even though it was banned 30 years ago. This fact suggests that chemicals don't break down indoors.

Making Healthy Changes

There are a number of hazards concerning the numbers of chemicals contained in household cleaners besides cancer including asthma, allergies, headaches, fatigue, pulmonary issues, depression, conditions involving the nervous system and more. These chemicals are inhaled, absorbed and ingested.

So, should you stop cleaning, fling open the windows and flee your home? No. Well, opening the windows more often might be a good idea, but you can still clean your house. You just have to clean smarter and better. I happen to think the most efficient and smartest way to clean is with Norwex products.

This isn't a shameless plug for my business though; regardless of whether you're interested in buying Norwex products or not, please take a look at these studies listed above and others; do some research for yourself; start reading the labels on the cleaning products you have in your home; evaluate any illnesses or chronic symptoms you or a member of your family is suffering from; notice the reactions you have while cleaning your house or after your house is scrubbed down with potentially toxic chemicals; and I think you will find the missing piece to the whole picture of health.

The Scoop

You can find more of my thoughts on this issue and information on Norwex at State of Clean. I'm a reformed cleaner, a Norwex convert, and I feel better knowing I've made this change for me and my family. Seeing is believing; so, contact me if you want to know more.

We have a choice about our health. Let's take control of it. Here's a good place to start. Over and out...

Anna

 

The List: The Missing Season

Typically, Minnesota has 4 seasons each year. Well, actually, I like to say there are 5 seasons here in the Upper Midwest. In case you live in an area that typically has fewer seasons, I'll name them for you: Winter, Mud, Spring, Summer and Fall. Our reward for making it through the long, dark cold winters is that we get to enjoy the verdant, fresh spring, the forever long, golden days of summer and the jewel toned, crisp autumn.

The only "season" I don't enjoy is the Mud Season, which is sandwiched in between the dark winter and the lush spring. If you have boys and/or dogs, you know precisely what I mean by the "Mud Season."

However, it would appear that winter has skipped right out of Minnesota this year. This January there are signs of spring instead of winter. This is very strange and actually depressing to me {with the exception of the sunshine} because I feel like I am getting ripped off. We live in frigid Minnesota, after all; give me some snow!!!!

But you be the judge; is it winter or spring?

1. This past week a House Finch flew into my window awning and visited her nest. The one that she and her mate return to each spring to rebuild and lay eggs in.
2. Two days ago, a spider descended on its web from the light fixture in the kitchen towards the floor. We, in MN, do not have spiders from about November to March each year. One of the many reasons I love living in MN.
3. So far, in January, the Twin Cities has been above freezing for 6 of the first 8 days. The forecast for the next 10 days shows above freezing temps for 3 of those days and near freezing temps for an additional 3 days.
4. We have no snow to speak of; and haven't had much snow at all for the winter season. The brown grass is exposed. Everything is stark and dreary and dirty.
5. There is no sledding; no snow ball fights; no snow man or snow fort building; no backyard ice hockey; no snowshoeing; no cross-country skiing. You get the idea.
6. There is no hum from snow blowers in the early mornings and evenings; no faint smell of gas fumes in the crisp night air; and no revving of trucks-converted-to-snow-plows engines as they clear driveways.
7. Today we went to the MN Zoo. We typically go year round since we are members and our zoo has three large exhibits housed inside, but today we spent all of our time...OUTSIDE...in JANUARY. And all the animals were out enjoying the mild weather {OK, well, not all of the animals. The grizzly bears were asleep in their "cave"}. Unheard of.

So, tell me; is it winter or is it spring. Have we completely skipped winter this year? Or will winter finally arrive in February? And what does this mean for the rest of our seasons? Over and out....

Anna

The Sign Said to Take a Chance: Well, Here Goes.... {A New Business}

A Chance

The sign said, "Take at Least One." At the bottom of the piece of paper were little tabs to rip off that usually have contact information listed. This one had little tabs with just two words... "A Chance." I don't know who pinned this sign up on the Caribou Coffee bulletin board, but I thought it was clever and it got me to thinking.

Was this a sign I should be paying attention to? Have I taken many risks lately? Am I putting myself out there enough? What's too risky? What's not risky enough? Does it mean I'm not taking risks if I have to ask these questions?

Risky Business    

Honestly, I feel like that the last two years have been one risk after another with the start of launching Motherly Law in March of 2010. I have put myself out there, utterly exposed and vulnerable, in cyberspace and in the tangible space too. I have tried this and that. I have strived to grow as a writer and thinker and doer.

Then, after Will found himself in search of a job, under circumstances not of our choosing, we decided to pursue entrepreneurship and grow a business in social media consulting. Now, recall that I'm an independent contractor for a legal publisher and a freelance writer.

This is no life for the weak. This is a life of no regular paychecks; no benefits of any kind. There is little assurance of anything.

Well, I have decided to take another "chance." I am launching a new business today {in addition to everything we are doing}. I am now......hold onto your hats....this is going to surprise you....a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant. I know, I know; I, myself, am still shocked when I step back and think about this statement. Now, wait, bear with me. I'm going to answer your questions: 1) What the Heck is Norwex? 2) Why this Product? and 3) Why Now?

What the Heck is Norwex?

Norwex's mission statement is this: To improve the quality of life by radically reducing the use of chemicals in personal care and cleaning.

Norwex cloths are an antibacterial microfiber. To use the cloths for cleaning all kinds of surfaces and spots and stains, simply add water. Nothing more is needed. How is this possible, you ask? Well, the microfiber cloth goes beyond surface clean because there is a silver-based inorganic antimicrobial agent physically and chemically bonded to the fiber of the cloth. The microfiber picks up and locks in the odor-causing/illness-causing bacteria into the fibers and the silver agent destroys the bacteria.

These cloths eliminate cross-contamination on surfaces or hands; are easy to use, launder when needed and use again; will reduce the amount of chemicals your family uses and absorbs; and cleans really well.

The cleaning products are enzyme-based and continue to work on a surface until all material to be cleaned away is gone and then the cleaner itself breaks down to Carbon Dioxide and Oxygen. These enzymes are naturally occurring and are not at all harmful to humans, pets or plants.

Additionally, there are personal care cloths for the bathroom that gently exfoliate your skin and clean makeup {including mascara} from your face without the use of soap and softer, gentler cloths for kids and babies. There are even cloths for your pets and much, much more. For additional information {and believe me there is additional information} go to the FAQ page on my website.

Why This Product?

I am passionate about these products. Norwex has already changed the way I clean; and more importantly it has changed the way I think about cleaning solutions filled with chemicals.

This sounds trite and canned, but it's the absolute truth. Since getting our Norwex products, Will and I have not wanted to stop cleaning and trying Norwex products out on various stains, spots and hard to reach grime; cleaning counters, floors, toilets, appliances and skin {there are bath towels too}; you name it. Our Norwex products have stood up to each task presented and have not let us down.

The first thing I cleaned with my Norwex Envirocloth was the dining room rug below Darling 1's chair. Bless his heart; he is the messiest eater no matter how hard he tries not to be. There are always spots and stains beneath his seating area. I have tried to get the spots up with various cleaners. I took the Envirocloth, got it wet, wrung it out and started scrubbing the spots on the rug. Every last one of them came up with ease. The rug looked brand new; and I was sold.

And that was just the start. I think it will revolutionize the way you view cleaning your home, your clothes and your body as it has done for us.

Why Now?

To be frank with you, and you know I always am, we need to increase our income so that we can focus on building Will's business and my writing portfolio; our passions. But I also look forward to the challenges of improving my communication skills and presentation style. I am excited about gaining business acumen. And I honestly believe these products will save time and money, promote health and better the environment.

The Scoop {This Part is Important}

So, here I go, starting the New Year with a Clean slate, so to speak, and taking "A Chance." If you love me or even if you just slightly tolerate me any and all support and encouragement is much appreciated. One way to support me is to Like my Anna Berend – Norwex Independent Sales Consultant Facebook Fan Page and/or Follow me on Twitter @AnnaBerend. Another way to support this endeavor is to check out my Norwex website: annaberend.norwex.biz.

If you are interested in hosting a party {there are really great gifts involved, plus it's a fun gathering of your friends} or you just want to learn more about these products and why I love them so much, please email me at [email protected] or leave a comment below. I would love to talk to you. I am hosting a launch party on Sunday, January 15^th. If you would like to attend let me know {evites will be going out soon to those whose addresses I have}.

As soon as I get my URL approved, I will launch my accompanying blog that will regale you on achieving a new State of Clean with Norwex product reviews and the philosophy and science behind these products, etc. So, stay tuned for that information in the near future.

Ready or not, here I come 2012. Oh, and Katy, stop laughing. I know; I'm eating my words. Over and out....

Anna

Dirty Little {Hidden} Toxins: Exposure to Lead in Bounce Houses {2012 Reminder}

Dirty Hands

My Darling Boys are always sticking their fingers in the mouths or grabbing a snack with their fingers and eating it after playing at the park or in the dirt before I can clean off their hands or send them to the sink for a thorough washing.

This grosses me out and sends thousands of warnings messages through my neurons. I try to stop them and get their hands clean before it happens, but it invariably does happen. Darling 2 will say, "Why, Ma?" as he sticks little goldfish crackers in his mouth with his filthy little hands. And yet, they have survived and a little dirt is OK, but it's all the chemicals and germs that scare me. And now, another danger to be wary of...

Hidden Bounce House Dangers

We are aware of the threat of lead in old paint, in toys, in jewelry and on strands of Christmas lights, but here's one that might surprise you: beware of dangerous levels of lead in inflatable bounce house vinyl. Last August, the CA attorney general's office filed a lawsuit against 8 bounce house manufacturers claiming there are unsafe levels of lead in the vinyl. In February, a settlement was reached with 2 of the major suppliers to reduce the lead in the vinyl, making it safer for about half of the bounce houses.

The lawsuit was filed after the Center for Environmental Health tested dozens of bounce houses. The advocacy group focused on the vinyl of the structures; the very thing that makes them bouncy. The group used Field Portable XRF analyzers with X-rays to determine the chemical makeup of solid objects. What they found was surprising.

Lead Exposure

The tests revealed that the vinyl tested contained lead in levels of 5,000 parts per million to 29,000 parts per million. These number far exceed the federal limit of 90 to 300 parts per million. These levels are potentially toxic.

Lead is a cumulative poison; every little bit exposed to can make a big difference in the long run, particularly for kids. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that exposure to lead can lead to learning disabilities, behavioral problems and seizures, coma and even death, in cases of extreme exposure.

Precautions

If you choose not to boycott bounce houses altogether, based on this issue and others, then be sure to wash hands and face after your child is finished in the bounce house and before eating. What happens is the lead dust gets on a child's hands and face and clothes, the child then gets out and grabs a drink or eats some food and ingests the lead dust in the process.

The two manufacturers who agreed to the settlement in California also agreed to test their structures that are already in circulation for rental for parties and events and replace those with dangerous levels. However, the safe assumption is that your child may be exposed to lead when using a bounce house. So, make sure to wipe your child's hands and face after playing in a bounce house.

The Scoop

We can choose to be overly cautious or throw caution to the wind or settle somewhere in the middle. We fall in the middle ground. I'm not a fanatic about washing hands every three minutes; I let me kids play in the dirt; we swim in lakes; and haven't had all of our toys tested for lead or other dangerous chemicals. Yep, we're living on the edge. Over and out...

Anna

Blessed Bikes: Rules of the Road

Blessings

Yesterday was the Blessing of the Bikes at our church. We hauled Darling 1's new early birthday gift from Grandma and Grandpa; a two-wheeled red Lightning McQueen beauty with training wheels and Darling 2's new from Craigslist bike; a smaller two-wheeled Space "Rock-it" number with training wheels to church for the donuts and lemonade, bike procession, prayers, blessings and ride, and we came home with two bottles of blessed bike oil, I'm Blessed stickers and added peace of mind.

Silly? Maybe. Groundless? Well, I suppose that depends on your religious beliefs. But the point is safety, and you know I'm all about that. What's the harm in praying for those who ride bikes, are learning to ride bikes and all those on all roadways, whether a bicyclist or a motorist? Any extra help from above can only be a good thing, especially in a city with so many regular bike riders; or anywhere, for that matter.

Commuter Rules

In 2010, Minneapolis was named America's Best Bike City. While I am not a cyclist, nor have I been since 8^th grade, I can appreciate all of the bike trails, the city's bike-rental program and the large numbers of people who take advantage of the ease of commuting, exercising and tooling around town on bikes in the Twin Cities. I know it's a wonderful way to save money on gas, contribute to preserving our environment and stay fit.

What I have noticed in the last several months is that many bikers do not follow the rules of the road; both kids and adults alike. As a motorist, I find this very disturbing. At four-way stops, I don't know whether the cyclist will stop, yield or go right through the intersection without even slowing down {which is most often the case}; I see youngsters riding down the middle of the street who either don't move or swerve over to the edge at the last second; and I've noticed a number of adults on bikes who swerve in and out of traffic regardless of lanes and traffic flow, making it very difficult to predict their actions.

BikeLaws

So, this got me wondering about what the bike laws say about abiding by road rules. Based on my random sampling of states, the laws, both state and local, define bikes as vehicles and require bicyclists to follow the same laws as motorists. This means cyclists must stop at four-way stops, yield at marked intersections and signal when turning or changing lanes, etc.

There are some differences. Each state I examined listed prohibited highways, explained what it means to be slow-moving traffic and how to negotiate certain situations encountered on the roadway. Clearly, a bike is not the same as a motor vehicle, even if they are statutorily defined as a vehicle. Even still, bikers who fail to follow the laws will be ticketed.

Of course, children ride on sidewalks and shoulders of the road and don't ride along with the flow of traffic, etc. And in that case, they must follow the rules of pedestrians, in most instances. Almost every state surveyed had basically the same language regarding minors on bikes: "The parent or guardian of any child shall not authorize or knowingly permit any such child to violate any of this article." As has been seen in New York with the Menagh v. Breitman case, kids on bikes colliding with pedestrians can lead to lawsuits.

One website, http://bikelaws.org, complained that bike laws are not uniform from state to state or city to city, making it impossible for cyclists to know the law as they ride from place to place, increasing the risk of injury for bikers. However, in my survey of bike laws, I found the language to be quite uniform. There were, of course, differences regarding particular highways, trails or other city or state specific issues. It's true there are no federal laws regarding bikes or bicyclists, which could provide even more uniformity, but there would still have to be some variation as not all cities are built for bikes as Minneapolis is, for instance.

Know the Law

If you are a cyclist, then you should be knowledgeable about the laws in your state and/or city regarding bikes on the road. This is not only for other's safety, but for your own, as well. If all bicyclists followed the laws and operated in a predictable manner, I would hope that fewer cyclists would be involved in accidents that often end in tragedy. Of course, the onus is not only on the shoulders of the bikers. We must all be clear on what the laws require of us, as motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. You can find your state and/or city laws by running a quick Internet search.

The Scoop

I will leave you with this, The Sending Forth from our Blessing of the Bikes Program:

Go forth journeying souls

On your travel in this world

In the name of God Who is guiding you home.

May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face; and until we meet again,

May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

Spring Fling: Getting the Proper Fitting Bike Helmet {with Video}

Protecting the Ol' Noggin: Why Your Child Should Wear a Bike Helmet and How to Choose One

A Parent's Credo: Love and Protect

Some Call It Worrying, I call it Accident Prevention

Mommy Brain

As a mom, part of my brain is dedicated to coming up with worse-case scenarios of what might happen to my Darling Boys if.... and then devising plans and solutions to avoid and/or survive such imagined occurrences.

Much has been written, spoken and tweeted about the death of Osama bin Laden this week. I'm thrilled he is out of the picture and that the U.S. has been able to thwart so many terrorist plots over the last 10 years, but interestingly enough, as much as I'm horrified of being caught in a terroristic attack, that's not the kind of scenario that usually pops into my head.

It's the everyday, freakish, what-are-the-odds-of-that-happening kind of catastrophic event that really concerns me.

Here's What Really Scares Me:

I'm scared to death of the day they are old enough to take off on their bikes {wearing well fitting, undamaged bike helmets} on adventures up and down and across streets; streets with no sidewalks or shoulders where drivers recklessly careen about in their vehicles without concern for the well-being of my children.

I'm petrified my Boys will choke on popcorn, marshmallows, tomatoes, small Lego pieces, Star Wars figurine heads {why, oh why do they detach from the body} or a million other items. Darling 2 did choke on a tomato just a few weeks ago. I did not freeze up and was able to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him and get the tomato unstuck. Thank God! I have played this scene over and over and prayed I would be able to do what I needed to do out of instinct; and I did.

I worry that my children won't get the proper servings of veggies per day or enough of the right kind of veggies or that the veggies they do eat will be contaminated with pesticides which will lead to cancer in the prime of their lives.

I contemplate what I will say when they come to me with broken hearts because their true loves don't love them back or kids they thought were their friends did something or said something that was not at all friendly. I fret about whether they will be well liked, well mannered, well accepted, well adjusted and happy as they grow and mature and become young men who never think this world is too much and contemplate their own demise.

I pray that a driver distracted by sending a text, reaching for coffee, putting on makeup, looking for a CD or having an in depth discussion over the phone does not cross into the lane I'm driving in and smash us to smithereens, but should this happen I pray that I will not die or be critically injured and leave my babies; and that the hand of God would protect my precious boys securely and lovingly strapped into their seats behind me.

I hope they never ride their bikes or run while listening to music through earphones that could muffle the sound of a trash truck, train or rabid dog fast approaching.

I take measures to ensure they don't accidentally ingest a poisonous plant or mistake a bleach bottle for a milk bottle or have access to brightly colored pills of medicine that look eerily like candies.

Crazy Lady?

Whew! I said it. Sometimes I even worry that by actually voicing these fears, they could come true. This list is not exhaustive and it changes as they grow, but this is how my heart and brain work; this is how I get through the horrible things that happen all in our world. And then I can focus on the beautiful, wonderful, magical things that also happen every day.

I think through these things; I take precautions; I implement plans; I teach my boys safety; and I pray a lot! Now don't mistake me for saying that I dwell on these things constantly and am all-consumed by tragedy and disaster. I'm not. Intense; paranoid; empathetic; analytical; planner; pray-er: yes.

The Scoop

I cannot always be there. I cannot stop everything from happening to them; and nor would I want to. In the words of a spunky, blue fish named Dory, "Well, you can't never let anything happen to him. Then nothing would ever happen to him. Not much fun for little Harpo. {Nemo}" From Finding Nemo.

I want them to take risks; the kind of risks that lead to innovation, creativity, discovery, love, laughter, success and sometimes failure. After all, it's from good, bad, happy, sad, interesting, boring, small and big happenings that a person learns and grows and experiences. These are good things, but, Please Lord, no shattering events that would break my heart in two forever!

You can tell by the links in this post that I've written posts about many of my motherly fears. What do you worry about? Or maybe you don't! Here's to a safe Thursday! Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

The Right to Bear Arms in Your Home: McDonald v. City of Chicago

Celebrating the Red, White and Blue: Be Prepared to Follow the Law

Not Even for a Minute: Children Left Unattended in Vehicles

From the Obituaries: Trailblazing Women & Moms

Leading the Way

There are so many women who have forged ahead of us leaving a path to follow and a map for making our own way. A great number of these women had families and household responsibilities in addition to making great strides for their causes and professions and other women, in general. The majority of these women have gone unnoticed; neither winning awards nor gaining great prestige. And yet we are able to do and be and choose and say because of these women.

From the Obits

As I've mentioned on several occasions the one thing I read on a regular basis is The Week. The Week is a comprehensive guide to news from around the globe with bits representing both sides of an argument with articles on subjects ranging from that week's headlines, politics, science and technology, movie reviews, restaurant reviews, obituaries, etc. Yes, obituaries. There are usually only 2, but sometimes 3 obits listed.

These are not your run of the mill kind of obituaries. Generally, they are written about someone who was well-known in his or her field, but sometimes they are about people who did extraordinary things in his or her life without ever being well known. I always read them and have learned much from these articles.

Dr. Louise Reiss

It was from one such obituary a few months ago that the idea for this post 1^st struck me. The article was on the passing of Dr. Louise Reiss. Heard of her? No? Well, she did amazing work that started with a very simple plan and ended with a ban on certain nuclear testing.

Dr. Louise Reiss, born in 1920, the same year that women won the right to vote, attended medical school and married a fellow medical student. The two moved to St. Louis, MO in the 1950s for her husband, Dr. Eric Reiss, to take a position with the Washington University School of Medicine. Dr. Louise Reiss was hired by the St. Louis City Health Department to work on inoculating children with the polio vaccine.

In 1959, the Drs. Reiss, along with an environmental scientist, created the Greater St. Louis Citizens' Committee for Nuclear Information. It was this founding trio who initiated the Baby Tooth Survey and joined forces with Saint Louis University and Washington University of Dental Medicine to carry out the study. Dr. Louise Reiss was named the Director of this study from 1959 to 1961, leading and organizing this project.

The Baby Tooth Survey was a brilliant and simple plan to study the affect above ground nuclear testing was having on humans. Specifically, "The goal was to show that radioactive fallout from nuclear testing was getting into the nation's food supply and ultimately working its way into human bones and teeth. And the study succeeded." Source: NY Times

Youngsters losing teeth were asked to send their baby teeth to researchers. In exchange for the teeth, kids received badges which read, "I gave my tooth to science." Over 12 years, the Baby Tooth Survey researchers collected almost 320,000 baby teeth.

The teeth were sent to the Washington University lab where they were tested for strontium 90, one of over 100 chemicals present in nuclear explosions and reactors. This chemical is similar to calcium, attaching to teeth and bones when ingested through food and water. The baby teeth were the easiest way to test large numbers of people from around the country.

As was reported by The Nation in June 1959, "Dr. Louise Reiss and her assistants have had extraordinary success in getting local schools — public, private and parochial — to help in the teeth collecting. Some 250,000 forms have been distributed to reach all lower-grade students. At present, baby teeth are reaching the little office on West Pine Boulevard at the rate of about 50 a day." Source: NY Times

In one instance, the study found that children born in St. Louis in 1963 had 50 times as much strontium 90 in their teeth than children born in 1950, prior to atomic testing. In 1963, Dr. Eric Reiss testified before a Senate committee in support of the treaty with the Soviet Union and Great Britain to stop above ground nuclear testing; the treaty was signed two months later.

In 1996, in a letter to a colleague involved in the Baby Tooth Survey, Dr. Louise Reiss wrote, "I continue to be moved by the knowledge that a group of organized people can effectively pressure government if they come up with data instead of rhetoric." Source NY Times

My Early Computer

In 2011, it's almost unheard of to not own a computer. In our household, we have two laptops. And yet I did not own a computer of my own until my parents bought me one during my senior year of college. Until that time, when I needed to type and print something from a computer, I went to a computer lab on campus where large, clunky computers lined tables which were linked to two antiquated printers that often jammed on the reams of paper snaking through the machines. There was no Internet to surf, no Facebook to check or emails to return. It's hard to remember those days.

Jean Jennings Bartik

Well, just a few weeks ago, we lost a true pioneer woman; as in technology pioneer. Jean Jennings Bartik, was the only math major in her class at Northwest Missouri State Teachers College. When Bartik learned that the Army was hiring talented mathematicians for a project in Philadelphia she left on the next bus.

Bartik was on a team of 6 women whose task it was to program the ENIAC {Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer} the first all-electronic digital computer. Although it was first billed as plugging in electrical connections, the work actually entailed "converting mathematical calculations into electrical impulses decipherable by machine." It was extremely grueling work. ENIAC was originally intended to calculate the firing trajectories for artillery shells, but it was completed in 1946 and was too late for the war.

Bartik went on to work on the programming of Univac, an early commercial computer, introduced in 1951. She also worked on hardware and software for Univac and Binac, a small computer made for Northrop Airlines.

In 1951, Bartik stopped working to raise three children. Bartik returned to the computer industry in 1967. From 1967 until 1985, when Bartik was layed off, she did work with programming, training and technical publishing in the emerging computer industry.

Although at the time of her work with ENIAC, BINAC and UNIVAC she did not receive recognition, in recent years Bartik was honored for her groundbreaking, transformative work in computers.

The Scoop

These two women are just the tip of a very large iceberg. So many women, both known and unknown, honored and overlooked, young and old have contributed to our societal freedoms, advancements and overall knowledge. These women are our mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers and so on. So much is owed to these brave, strong, innovative, bright, determined women. Let us hope that when our children are adults they can look at our generation and say the same thing. Over and out...

Anna

You might also like:

 

My Hero, Princess Diana: The Importance of Role Models

In Recognition of Moms: Women’s Suffrage

Motherhood: What I Didn’t Know

Children Choking Apples?

4^th Place Winner Still Gets a Ribbon

Oh, I bet you're on the edge of your seat waiting to see which post is the 4^th most read post based on search engine traffic. Well, wait no longer….it's The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free-Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjectives Mean??

Food for Thought

I have to admit that I have been surprised by how often this post gets picked up by search engine queries. This post explains the U.S. Department of Agriculture's labels in regards to organic, natural, grass-fed, sustainable, fair trade, etc. When I first posted it I got quite a response from readers, and it continues to be well-read.

Information about our food has become more important and more readily available to the consumer. People want to know who grew the plants or raised the livestock; where that farm is located; how quickly and by what means it arrived at the market; and what, if any, hormones, fertilizers, chemicals, etc. were used on the food product. And this is a good thing.

Intriguing Searches

This is not the only post involving food. I have also written about choking hazards, social host laws, BPA free containers, etc. Here is a list of the most fascinating searches on the topic of food, eating and drinking:

1. "children choking apples"
2. "organic adjectives"
3. "dried fruit Czech Republic "
4. "should I take my child to ER for choking"
5. "grazing, rooting and pecking"
6. "list of safe, natural adjectives"
7. "what to do if your baby swallows tinsel"
8. "sustainable grass types"

Clearly, a few of these searches were misdirected to Motherly Law. Other keywords are grammatically comical. Either way, I'm glad these people made their way to Motherly Law, and I hope they found something worth sticking around for on Motherly Law.

The Scoop

On Friday, I will answer a few of the questions posed from search engine queries and list a few more post links. Over and out…

Anna

Other related post you might also like:

Trying to Stay Focused: Making Time to Save Money on Organic Products

To BPA or Not to BPA? That is the Question: Tips for Limiting Your Family’s Exposure

Sippy Cups: BPA-Free or Not. What’s the Big Deal?

Welcome to the "Best of Motherly Law" Week!

As previously mentioned, I have declared this "the best of" week. So, on Monday, Wednesday and Friday of this week, you will find posts from previous weeks that have been voted the best of Motherly Law. Thanks to all the loyal readers who participated in the survey last week. I really appreciate you taking the time to take the survey. I also value the feedback you all provided through your answers, and am glad that you are enjoying the posts and getting something out of the Motherly Law. The results were close, but according to the people's choice,The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjective Mean? is the winner for Monday's post. You will find the other "Best of Motherly Law" choices listed on the left sidebar between Recent Posts and Archives by the end of this week.

If you have already read this post, please take this time to peruse the other topics/posts and read one or two that you may have missed or check out Motherly Reads (right sidebar), my blog roll, and find some other great blogs to read. Remember I love to get comments and feedback! You can find me on Twitter, Facebook and BlogHer besides leaving a comment here or sending me an email at [email protected]. Without further adieu here is the post:

The Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, All-Natural, Free-Range, Fair Trade Grocery List: What Do All These Adjectives Mean??

 

The Grocery Shopping Experience

 

When did buying groceries get so complicated? You basically have to have a Ph.D in Food Science and work for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to understand what is meant by all of the labels tossed around these days? My grocery shopping experience goes something like this: "Yes, could I have a pound of the free-range, preservative-free, all-natural turkey breast. And I'll take a ½ pound of the organic, fair trade, sustainable coffee, please. Can you tell me 0n which aisle the all-natural, preservative-free granola bars are located? Oh, are you all out of the hormone-free, locally-produced whole milk? Where is the grass-fed, humanely-treated-until-murdered-to-become-my-dinner beef? The organic, free-range eggs are how much?" I mean, really, does our food have to have this many adjectives? And what does all of this mean anyway?

 

The thing is, I do care. I do read labels. I happen to be horribly offended by any food with high fructose corn syrup in the list of ingredients! I do not buy anything with that irritatingly, evil ingredient (Please note one exception: Mama's Coke Zero… You know, Mama don't get much sleep!). The part that really bothers me is that it's in EVERYTHING. Alright…I'm exaggerating, but not much! I do buy organic, as much as I can afford; I don't feed my kids hot dogs or other highly processed foods, colored-liquid pretending to be juice; or cookies chock-full of trans fats and other hard-to-pronounce, synthetic ingredients; and I am a bit of a food snob. You might have already guessed that though.

 

So, every week I go to Target Superstore (preferably without my two Darling Distractions); read the labels; buy about 60% organic; buy nothing made with the afore-mentioned evil ingredient (besides the one noted exception); load up on fruits and veggies; avoid canned items that are BPA-laden; get to the register and spend enough to feed a football team. The up side is that I feel good about the food I feed my family, especially my rapidly-growing, brain-developing kiddos. The frustrating part is that in order to eat well, I spend a lot of hard-earned mullah.

 

I think it's important to fully comprehend what is meant by these USDA-implemented food adjectives. If you are clear on the official government-regulated definition of organic, fair trade, sustainable, grass-fed, all-natural, free-range products, then you can decide how important each of those items (and the price tags they warrant) is to you and your family.

 

Breaking Down the Adjectives

 

Organic Food/Farming

In 1990, Congress passed the Organic Food Production Act (OFPA) which required the USDA to develop national standards for organically produced agricultural products to assure consumers that agricultural products marketed as organic meet consistent, uniform standards, whether grown in the U.S. or imported from other countries. There are several overall controlling doctrines governing certified organic farming, including biodiversity, integration, sustainability, natural plant nutrition, natural pest management, and integrity.

 

• Organic food is produced by farmers who emphasize the use of renewable resources and the conservation of soil and water to enhance environmental quality for future generations. 
• Organic meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products come from animals that are given no antibiotics or growth hormones. 
• Organic food is produced without using most conventional pesticides; fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge; bioengineering; or ionizing radiation.  
• Before a product can be labeled 'organic,' a Government-approved certifier inspects the farm where the food is grown to make sure the farmer is following all the rules necessary to meet USDA organic standards. 
• Companies that handle or process organic food before it gets to your local supermarket or restaurant must be certified, too."

 

However, organic farming means much more than simply avoiding conventional chemicals in fertilizers, etc. or trading natural fertilizers for synthetic ones. Instead, organic farmers focus on tried and true techniques, using farming practices from thousands of years ago.

Organic products will always have the word "organic" on the package or produce sign and/or have the "UDSA Organic" seal on the package or piece of produce. The seal is voluntary though, so packaging or produce signs don't have to have the seal to be certified organic. It's a crime, with a fine of up to $11,000, to sell food labeled as "organic" when the seller knows the product doesn't meet USDA organic standards.

Sustainable Agriculture

The term "Sustainable" is one that is often used in conjunction with "organic" products. Sustainable agriculture is a way of raising food that is healthy for consumers and animals, does not harm the environment, is humane for workers, respects animals, provides a fair wage to the farmer and supports and enhances rural communities. Sustainable agriculture integrates three main goals--environmental health, economic profitability and social and economic equity. When a process is sustainable, it can be maintained indefinitely because sustainable farmers do not take more resources to produce food than they give back. Sustainable farmers see nature as an ally rather than an obstacle, and are able to produce more wholesome food while using less fossil fuels (thus lessening the impact on global warming), and without using any synthetic pesticides, artificial hormones, or antibiotics. Here are principles sustainable agriculture farmers adhere to:

• Conservation and Preservation. What is taken out of the environment is put back in, so land and resources such as water, soil and air can be replenished and are available to future generations. The waste from sustainable farming stays within the farm's ecosystem and cannot cause buildup or pollution. In addition, sustainable agriculture seeks to minimize transportation costs and fossil fuel use, and is as locally-based as possible.

   

• Biodiversity. Farms raise different types of plants and animals, which are rotated around the fields to enrich the soil and help prevent disease and pest outbreaks. Chemical pesticides are used minimally and only when necessary; many sustainable farms do not use any form of chemicals.

   

• Animal Welfare. Animals are treated humanely and with respect and are well cared for. They are permitted to carry out their natural behaviors, such as grazing, rooting or pecking and are fed a natural diet appropriate for their species.

   

• Economically Viable. Farmers are paid a fair wage and are not dependent on subsidies from the government. Sustainable farmers help strengthen rural communities.
  
  
• Socially Just. Workers are treated fairly and paid competitive wages and benefits. They work in a safe environment and are offered proper living conditions and food.

The confusion with sustainable agriculture is that the definition is more a philosophy or way of life than a strict set of rules, and farmers can interpret the meaning differently. In addition, there is no legal obligation to follow any of the criteria for sustainability, so food can be labeled sustainable when in actuality it isn't. Many terms that describe this type of food, such as natural or cage free, do not have a legal or clear definition (though the USDA is currently working on this). http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php

It's important to note that "sustainable" and "organic" don't always mean the same thing. For example, an organic tomato might not adhere to sustainable principles if it was grown organically, but then shipped across the country to be sold. And on the flip side, some produce you find at your local farmers' market might not have been grown organically.

The next terms are all related sustainable farming:

• Free-Range: In the U.S., USDA regulations apply only to poultry and indicate that the animal has been allowed access to the outside. However, the USDA regulations do not specify the quality or size of the outside range, nor the amount of time the animal must have access to the outside. Although the USDA regulations may not apply, the term free-range can be applied to eggs, meat or dairy farming. In ranching, free-range livestock are permitted to roam without being fenced in, as opposed to fenced-in pastures.
• Grass-Fed/Open Pasture: "Grass-fed" on a label signifies that the livestock received a diet of natural forage outdoors, but sometimes cows are fed grass while indoors or in a pen or only for the first few months of their lives. So "grass-fed" could mean "pasture-raised" or "open pasture." Pasture-raised animals roam freely outdoors where they can eat the grasses and other plants that their bodies are best suited to digest. Grass-fed meat is low in both overall fat and artery-clogging saturated fat, and it provides a considerably higher amount of healthy Omega-3 fats than corn-fed meat, and host of other health benefits.
• Fair Trade Certified: Fair Trade Certification empowers farmers and farm workers to lift themselves out of poverty by investing in their farms and communities, protecting the environment, and developing the business skills necessary to compete in the global marketplace. Fair Trade is much more than a fair price!  Fair Trade principles include:
  • Fair price
  • Fair labor conditions
  • Direct trade
  • Democratic and transparent organizations
  • Community development
  • Environmental sustainability

Fair Trade Certification is currently available in the U.S. for coffee, tea and herbs, cocoa and chocolate, fresh fruit, sugar, rice and vanilla.

100% All Natural

 

According to the Mintel Global New Products database, which monitors the appearance of new household products, one third of all new U.S. food and beverage products in 2008 highlighted claims of being "natural" or "all natural," or something similar, including "organic," "no additives or preservatives" and "whole grain." The term "Natural" generally refers to food items that are not altered chemically or synthesized in any form. They are products derived from plants and animals. The USDA says those products can be labeled "natural" if they don't contain any artificial ingredients or added color, and are only minimally processed. But if "natural" is used on the label, it must also give an additional explanation, such as "no added colorings or artificial ingredients." When considering purchasing a product with the "Natural" label, keep in mind that there is no "USDA Natural" certification and there is much more wiggle room with this term. Natural does not mean organic, although a certified organic product might also bear the label "Natural." OK, I never claimed this food label system wasn't confusing and mixed up.

 

Why Does Food with Organic, Sustainable, Natural Labels Cost So Much More?

 

Organic, sustainable, natural foods simply costs more to produce than conventional foods. Food prices reflect the costs of growing, harvesting, transportation, storage, processing and packaging. To be certified organic, food must meet stricter regulations that govern all these steps in the process. Organic or sustainable food production also means more labor that is management intensive and happens on a smaller scale.

 

Why Spend the Money for Organic?

While the USDA does not claim that organic foods are safer or more nutritious than those produced conventionally, many people who produce, buy and eat organic foods believe that they are. People are buying more organic foods, with sales rising more than 20% every year in the past decade and the Food Marketing Institute says that more than half of Americans buy organic food at least once a month. Buying organic is a personal decision. I buy organic items when I can and as much as I can afford it. We also shop at our local Farmers' Market from May through October and grow some herbs and vegetables ourselves. Much of it is sustainable, some certified organic, and all very fresh and local.

The Scoop

 

Do you buy organic? Some? Not at all? Please leave a comment here, on Facebook or Twitter and tell me what your thoughts are regarding Organic, Sustainable, Grass-Fed, Free-Range, Natural and/or Fair Trade foods. On Wednesday, I will post tips on how to save when shopping for organic products, finding a local farmers' market and some related websites. Over and out…

 

Anna

 

 

The Daily Wrestling Match: Tips for Surviving the Presence of Radon in Your Home

Innate Boy Qualities

 

Every night there is a migration of sorts that takes place in our home. Every night the Darling Boys start out each in his own bed, but by morning light there are two little boys sleeping in bed with me and DH. I don't mind them sleeping in our bed. This means I get a few more zzz in the morning. What I do mind is the early morning wrestling match that takes place every morning in my bed with me in the middle. I get pummeled, pinched, bumped, bruised, whacked and smacked, all the while the Darling Boys are laughing uproariously at each other, oblivious to my inconvenient position.

 

I am not a morning person to begin with, and I don't care to be awoken in this fashion. I am a girl. I don't wrestle. Some girls might, and that's fine, but I don't. I did not teach them to wrestle, and neither did DH, as far as I am aware. They just do, just like DH and his brothers do (even still). This behavior is innate. They are boys. I thought the statement "boys will be boys" to be cliché, stereotypical, an excuse before I had two such species, but now I see that the aggressive, physical, active traits of boys are innate. I don't mean to say that girls do not have these traits or that all boys are exactly like mine, but for the most part I think that boys have these inherent characteristics. For example, we did not teach our Darling Boys the fine art of swashbuckling, yet they are working on perfecting it with anything that is long and stick-like. For that matter, we did not introduce our Darling Boys to swords or guns, but that does not stop them from noticing a ray gun or light saber in a book or a water gun or sword at the store or making a ray gun out of blocks or using a drum stick as a sword.

 

While I do not appreciate nor advocate for physical violence or even play fighting, I can't get rid of it entirely. I believe it's an inherent male urge that goes back to the hunters and gatherers. What I can do is shape and mold this urge into positive energy. I can talk to them about why fighting and the use of weapons, whether real or play, is not a positive response to any issue. I can help them tone down the aggressive behavior and turn it into a strength, rather than a weakness.

 

Tips for Getting the Uninvited Guest to Leave

 

It's the same with radon. If radon is present in the ground where your house is built, you can't get rid of it per se, but you can take steps to prevent it from entering your home. Radon, found in soil and rocks is high in Uranium, seeps into your home through cracks in the foundation, drains, etc. Certain parts of the country typically have higher levels of radon than other parts. To view the EPA map of radon zones click here. The EPA recommends that you get your home checked no matter where your home is located because dangerous levels of radon can build up even in Level 2 and Level 3 areas, not just Level 1 counties.

 

You can get a test kit and do it yourself or you can hire a certified radon professional to conduct the test. Various testing methods are used depending on individual needs and time constraints. Testing can be passive (using charcoal canisters, alpha-track detectors, etc.) or active (continuous radon monitors). Passive testing materials are inexpensive and readily available at hardware and building supply stores. Active testing is generally only performed by radon professionals and more expensive than passive methods, but may be more reliable. Short-term testing lasts from 2 to 90 days. Long-term testing lasts greater than 90days. Every radon test should last a minimum of 48 hours. Click here for more information about contacting your state radon contact and how to find a certified radon professional and/or radon testing kits.

 

There are several methods a contractor can use to lower radon levels in your home. Some techniques prevent radon from entering your home while others reduce radon levels after it has entered. EPA generally recommends methods which prevent the entry of radon. Soil suction, for example, prevents radon from entering your home by drawing the radon from below the home and venting it through a pipe, or pipes, to the air above the home where it is quickly diluted. There are other radon remediation options. The professional will evaluate the best method to employee depending upon the construction of your home. The cost generally ranges from $800 to $2500.

 

Informative Website

 

The EPA site on radon is a great place to start in your quest to learn more about radon. It has a tremendous amount of information whether you are the homeowner, buyer, seller, builder or contractor; whether you are looking for a test kit or a professional tester; whether you already know you need radon remediation or you are just getting started trying to figure out what radon is and why it's a concern. Check out their site: http://www.epa.gov/radon/index.html.

 

The Scoop

 

The funny thing is that the topic of radon was brought to my attention by a friend who was moving to Colorado and was concerned for her family's health because the house they were buying had level of 4 pCi/L or higher, yet if you look at the map of areas with high radon levels, the Twin Cities area is a Level 1 too. So, the odds are that many homes in the Twin Cities area also have radon seeping in at concerning levels, but neither I nor any of our friends had heard of this being an issue before the Colorado house dilemma. Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Clearly, it is an issue to be dealt with now. Don't ignore it just because you can't see it, smell it, taste it or feel its presence. On Friday, I will post a bit of Motherly Advice; the Father's Day Edition. Over and out….

 

Anna

The Five Senses: Finding and Disclosing the Presence of Radon in Your Home

Sweet Memories

 

I have discovered that the root of my memories originate from my senses and feelings. I have a great memory for the most part, but I have never been able to remember things like which TV or radio station is which number, specific dates on which something occurred or phone numbers. These things don't mean anything to me. They are just numbers, and to my memory they are inconsequential.

 

On the other hand, I have noticed that it's the minute details of seemingly trivial happenings in my life that I recall with the most vivid description; all recollections from my senses. For instance, when I think of chocolate croissants, I think of Santa Fe, New Mexico. Yes, Santa Fe, not Paris. Specifically, I recall a French bakery in La Fonda hotel that my family visited when I was 13. I can tell you exactly where my family sat; I can hear the noise of the other patrons and the wooden chairs being scooted about, echoing off the ceramic tiles. I can taste the chocolate croissant. When I think of the beach I think Texas Gulf Coast, and I can feel the sand on my feet, the sun on my shoulders and the cold spray of the waves. I can taste and smell the salty air, and the constant roar of the waves beating on the sand lulls me into a dream. My memories of Rome usually start at a Gelato shop in Piazza Navona. Again, I know exactly where the shop was located. I can hear the sounds, taste the "Best Ice Cream in the World." I can recount every detail to you. And the list goes on and on.

 

I will admit many of my memories are connected with great food. And it's true, I can not only remember just about every fabulous food I have had, I can taste it, and know every detail surrounding the experience. I do remember other things besides food in detail. The memories of the births of my children are centered around how I felt about things; my emotions. Time had no meaning. It's the impression made on my senses that is recorded in my brain. I use my senses to collect all the details.

 

Undetected Presence

 

I rely on my senses not only for my memories, but also to keep my family safe; prepare meals; know when I need to change Darling 2's diaper or give the dogs a bath, but there are some subtleties I may not be able to perceive with my senses. I am talking about gases seeping into my home from the ground totally undetected, specifically radon.

 

Radon is a natural occurring, radioactive gas found in soil and rock in all parts of the United States. It is formed by the decay of uranium, which is a natural process. Areas of the country with high levels of uranium will have high levels of radon. Radon moves through the ground to the air above, and into buildings through foundation cracks, drains, other structural openings and well water. Once in the house, it can become trapped there. Radon is colorless, odorless, and tasteless, and can be identified only through proper testing.

 

Health Concerns

 

What's the big deal with an odorless, tasteless, colorless gas seeping into your home. Well, plenty. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer, behind cigarette smoking. The higher the radon level indoors, the greater the amount you breathe. Radon gas decays into radioactive particles that can get trapped in your lungs when you breathe. As they break down, these particles release small bursts of energy. This can damage lung tissue. Inhaling indoor air containing radon over a period of many years can increase your risk of getting lung cancer. Your chance of getting lung cancer from radon depends on how much radon is in your home and how much time you spend in your home. If you are a smoker or a former smoker, the risk of getting lung cancer from radon is even greater. There is also a higher risk for children that live in or spend a great amount of time in a home with high levels of radon.

Testing, Disclosure and Building Laws

 

While there are currently no federal laws or regulations controlling radon detection or testing, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has developed standards and guidelines of what is considered dangerous levels. The average indoor radon level is 1.3 pCi/L, and the average outside radon level is 0.4 pCi/L. The EPA-established action level is 4 pCi/L or more. In September 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO) lowered their action level to 2.7 pCi/L or more. The WHO actions do not supersede or otherwise affect the EPA's guidance concerning radon in the U.S.

Although there are no laws that require a homeowner to conduct testing or remediate any radon found in one's home, a number of states do mandate a seller of a home to disclose to a buyer that radon is or has been present in the home based on prior testing. Even so, high levels of radon in a home can cause problems when trying to sell, transfer or finance the property, and could expose a property owner to resident complaints and uninhabitablity claims. There are a few states that now have laws calling for radon resistant building techniques and materials in newly constructed residential and commercial properties. And a handful of states also require schools and/or daycare facilities to conduct radon tests and conform to the EPA-established levels.

 

Table of State Laws by Topic

Seller Required to Disclose Presence of Radon	Schools/Daycare Facilities Required to Conduct Tests	Radon Resistant Building Code
AK	CO	FL
CA	CT	ME
CO	FL	MI
CT	ID	MN
DE	IL	RI
DC	IA	WA
FL	MD
IL	MI
IN	MN
IA	NJ
KS	NY
KY	RI
ME	VA
MD	WV
MI
MS
MT
NE
NH
NY
NC
OH
OK
OR
PA
RI
SC
SD
TN
TX
WA
WI

For the specific laws and language of these state laws, go to http://www.elistore.org/Data/products/iaq_radon_database-2010.pdf.

The Scoop

Don't go running from your house just yet. There is something you as a homeowner can do. You can get your home tested for radon to determine if there is an issue. If there are high levels of radon in your home there are products that can reduce the amount to a tolerable level, based on EPA standards. On Wednesday, I will provide valuable tips and websites regarding testing, ways to fix the problem and areas of the country that are more apt to have high levels of radon. Over and out…

Anna

Trying to Stay Focused: Making Time to Save Money on Organic Products

Poor Time Management Skills

I'm late, I'm late, for a very important date! Unfortunately, this is my most common mantra. I admit I have a problem with time management. Ask anyone that knows me well or has had an appointment to meet with me, especially doctors, and they will agree. My DH has been annoyed by this since meeting me 15.5 years ago. He just accepts it now though…I think. No matter how hard I try I can't be on time. There are a few exceptions: job interviews, airplanes, work deadlines, weddings, the births of my boys; and sadly that is probably about it. I don't set out to be late. I almost always think I have enough time to get somewhere for something in time. I am usually wrong. I have been this way at least since getting my driver's license when I was 16. I was never actually late for school (I'm too Type A for that), but I did walk, make that run, directly from my car to the classroom every morning. This trend has continued with age. In fact, I've gotten worse since adding kids to the mix.

 

How is one always late, you ask? In my case, there are two scenarios: In the first instance, I look at the clock and think, "Oh, I've got loads of time. I could fold the clothes, check email, pick up toys, paint my toenails, whatever." Once finished with said task, I look at the clock and realize I now have 20 minutes to take a shower, put on makeup, dry hair, get dressed, dress the boys, probably change a diaper, pack diaper bag, wrestle the little Darlings into the car seats and drive to a location somewhere in the metropolitan area of the Twin Cities. The second scenario is similar, but in this case, I have already gotten ready to go, look at the clock and think, "Oh I've got loads of time. I think I'll make a phone call, clean the windows, unload the dishwasher, read a magazine, etc." Then, when finished with said task, look at clock and realize, "Holy Guacamole, I should have left 10 minutes ago." Either scenario ends the same way: I arrive late. I know, I need some kind of time management guru to do intensive therapy with me. I have tried several techniques on my own. All of the clocks in the house and the car are set 20 minutes fast, but I can subtract 20 pretty easily to figure out the time. I'm smart like that. So, we have even tried setting different clocks for different times. Now that one really confuses the nanny. I try to convince myself that the start time of the event or meeting, etc is a half hour earlier than it is, but I can't outsmart my brain. Nothing seems to work, despite my good intentions.

 

Clearly, due to my time management disabilities and my crazy, busy, tight-rope walking, balancing act I call life, I need everything I do, especially grocery shopping, to be convenient and time efficient. I can't run to 5 different co-ops, natural foods stores, conventional superstores/discount warehouses and farmers' markets to find all the good deals being offered on organic products each week. It simply can't be done considering all the other important tasks that barely get done around here, like paying bills, washing clothes, completing work projects that actually pay me. But I'm not giving up yet, I have a plan for our family and lots of great tips to offer you, as well.

 

My Summer Plan

Here is my plan:

• Grown own tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and herbs, and maybe try a few new ones. Freeze pureed tomatoes and make soup from other veggies and herbs and freeze for winter;
• Shop at local Farmers' Market and buy local, sustainable and some organic, produce, meats, cheeses, breads, etc;
• Go to local pick-your-own berry farm and pick enough blueberries, raspberries and strawberries to eat and freeze to last into winter;
• Go to local apple orchard and pick apples for eating and freezing in slices for winter baking; and
• Check around for best deals for organic meat and poultry; stock up when on sale or have coupons

We always grow a summer garden, and it's our Saturday morning tradition from May through October to shop at our local Farmers' Market (OK, well, sometimes it's our tradition that mommy sleeps in and daddy and the boys go to the market and bring mommy a yummy muffin for breakfast). Going to the apple orchard in the fall is a family tradition that we love doing. I always intend to go the berry farms, but surprise, surprise, I run out of time, get preoccupied and miss the berry-picking season. Not this year, we are going to go, maybe several times! The biggest challenge on the list is the organic meat and poultry.

 

While I have been buying a lot of other organic products, I have not been willing to dole out the dollars for grass-fed, certified organic beef. However, based on my research and the comments I received after Monday's post I am going to try buying it. We have been missing out on the health benefits, taste and good stewardship points by buy conventionally raised beef. In order to be able to afford it, I will have to find good deals on the meat and/or eat less of it. Both are doable.

 

Tips for Saving Money on Organic Food

Here are some great, very user-friendly tips for saving money while shopping for organic products:

 

1. Prioritize your purchases.

   If your main concern is eating healthfully, you can have the biggest impact buying organic peaches, apples, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, pears, grapes, sweet bell peppers, celery, lettuce, spinach, and potatoes. Buying organic meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy can reduce your risk of exposure to the agent believed to cause mad cow disease and potential toxins in nonorganic feed.

2. Join a co-op.
   Most co-ops won't charge non-members to shop at their stores, but even if yours doesn't, there are great incentives to becoming a part owner. You'll get some profits back, become part of a tight community, have a definite voice in the day-to-day operations of the store, and support your local economy. Oh, yeah—and you'll get great savings. Not all co-op items are a steal, of course, but co-ops often give out special coupon books or run sales just for members that provide significant markdowns.
3. Clip coupons.
   Look through those weekly junk bundles you get in the mail every week, and comb the Sunday paper add-ons for grocery-store coupons. Plenty of manufacturers offer coupons for their organic products or general coupons that can be used on organics. You can also find store coupons ($5 off a $25 purchase, for example) that you can use to buy whatever you want at the retailer.
4. Print coupons.
   Manufacturers' Web sites and companies such as Mambo Sprouts offer downloadable and printable coupons for a wide variety of natural and organic products. Some are only a few cents off and won't save you too much, but many will knock a dollar or more off the purchase price, which can make those organics look a lot more appealing. Many major organic brands, including Stonyfield Farm, Annie's Homegrown, Organic Valley, Earthbound Farm and Health Valley offer coupons at their Web sites.
5. Buy in bulk.
   Here's a good guideline: Even if you think you're buying a lot in bulk now, buy more. I don't mean more in terms of quantity (although that could also save you money, especially on nonperishables); I mean more in terms of variety. At co-ops and health-food stores, particularly, there are things sold in bulk that you may have never considered buying out of a container: cinnamon, baking powder, rolled oats, molasses, and cooking oil, for example. In the vast majority of cases, the per-ounce price for a natural or organic bulk item is far cheaper than the packaged price.
6. Look for store-brand organics.

   Examples include Whole Foods Market's 365 Organic Everyday Value, Safeway's O Organics, Stop & Shop's/Giant's Nature's Promise, Kroger's Private Selection Organic, Trader Joe's, and others that often cost less than national name brands. Costco, for example, says its private label Kirkland Signature organics offer at least 20 percent savings compared with the leading national brand. 

7. Buy in season.
   You can almost never tell what's in season and local and what's imported from thousands of miles away when you go to the grocery store because everything is grouped together. But Sustainable Table (a featured website in this post) and similar sites aim to change that by letting you plug in your location and season and showing you a list of the freshest stuff available in your area. And when something is fresh and in season, it's usually cheaper than it is at other times of the year. You can save a lot of money on organic, local food by buying it during peak harvest times.
8. Join a CSA.
   The prices of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares can seem intimidating ($400+ for one share) until you do the math, break down the weekly costs, and realize that you're purchasing enough vegetables to sustain your family for an entire season for just the cost of a few trips to the grocery store. If it's still too scary to dole out that much at once, try splitting a share with another family or purchasing a half-share instead of a full. Most CSAs grow their fare organically, even if they're not certified by the USDA. Local Harvest (another featured website in today's post) will show you a list of CSAs in your area so you can choose what you want.
9. Shop farmers' markets.
   Farmer's Markets are a cheery relic of old times and a throwback to community values—plus, they offer great food at fantastic prices. If you want the freshest organic and natural produce available in your area, you can find it at your local farmers' market for prices that undercut every store around. To really save, go right before closing, when merchants are more likely to cut deals on items. Markets are also a good place to pick up organic jams, jellies, and baked goods.
10. Grow your own.
    You don't have to start a full-fledged garden. All you need are a few organic seed packets, or organic seedlings, some good soil, and compost, and you're ready to go. Early spring is the perfect time to think about growing, so start now! Even if you don't have land space to garden, start a few herbs or a tomato plant in pots. Before long, you'll have a bumper crop that will keep you going all summer for just pennies.
11. Cook more.
    This might seem like a paradox—cooking more means you have to buy more fresh produce, after all—but it's a lot cheaper than eating out.. Depending on how often you go to restaurants or pick up fast food, see if your family can cut those meals to just once a week or even once a month. That way, even if you buy organics that cost a little bit more, you'll still be saving money.
12. Check out sales.
    Think organic food never goes on sale? Think again. Many co-ops and health-food markets carry almost exclusively organic items, and they have sales just like big-box stores do. The sales aren't always dramatic markdowns, but they do make natural foods a lot more affordable, so swing by these stores every so often and see what they have to offer. And with that said . . .
13. Shop big-box stores.
    Don't shop the big guys exclusively, because they don't always offer the best selection of organic stuff (or even the best price points), but it's not uncommon for them to undercut the competition, so you shouldn't rule them out. Some big-box stores even make deals with local farmers to sell natural, local produce at prices that aren't much more expensive than you'd find at the farmers' market.
14. Go vegetarian.
    Meat is expensive. You don't have to take the full-out vegetarian plunge, but if you do, you'll likely save even more, especially if you can convince everyone else for whom you buy food to eat less meat, too. Finally, if you care about sustainability issues, buying less meat is one step you can take to dramatically reduce your carbon footprint.
15. Fresh isn't always best (or cheapest).
    Frozen, canned, and dried natural foods often have just as many nutrients as their fresh counterparts, and they're almost always cheaper. If fresh organic strawberries are too expensive to buy by the pint, check out the cost of frozen, and try those instead. During the summer, when fresh organic produce is bountiful and affordable, stock up and freeze some of your supply to use during the rest of the year.

Combined tips from www.greenerchoices.org and www.budgetlife.com

 

The great things about these tips is that whether you follow 1, 5 or all of them and whether you buy all organic products or just a few, you can save money on your grocery bill.

 

Awesome Websites

I love this site. It has so much great information about finding a local CSAs, co-ops, family farms and particular products, etc. Check it out:

http://www.localharvest.org/

 

Looking for a Farmers' Market near your home? If you live in the Twin Cities, you won't have to look far. We have a multitude of beautiful, fresh, yummy Farmers' Markets, but I digress. Check out this link in the UDSA website to find a local Farmers' Market:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/farmersmarkets

 

The Sustainable Table is another great site with all kinds of great information from shopping for to preparing meals with sustainable foods. For all your sustainable needs:

http://www.sustainabletable.org/home.php

 

Lastly, if looking for the USDA regulations regarding food label standards or general information about produce, meat, dairy, poultry, farming, etc go to the source, the USDA:

www.usda.gov

 

The Scoop

I loved all the tips and comments after Monday's post. I can see this is an issue you care about. Try making your own plan for how you are going to eat more organic, local, sustainable food this summer. I would love to hear what your plan is and if it's working. One more thing, check out the ads on the right side. There are some good resources for buying organic. Click on a few that interest you, and Mama can afford to buy more wholesome, organic meat and veggies for my darling growing boys. On Friday, I will post a bit of Motherly Advice. Next week's post is the much awaited hazards of using your cell phone while driving. Over and out…

 

Anna